THE closure and relocation of two nurseries will have a "huge impact" on the Shepperton community and could cause uncertainty over places for dozens of young pre-school children.

The Toad Hall Nursery in Shepperton Studios closed its doors for the last time at the end of August, leaving parents having to find alternative childcare for their youngsters at short notice.

Now it has emerged that the Roseacre Playgroup, based less than two miles away in the grounds of Saxon Primary School in Briar Road, is set to relocate after 20 years.

Volunteer staff have less than four months to find new premises or the group could be facing closure. Parents have expressed their shock at the situation and several have said they would consider taking their youngsters elsewhere.

Mother-of-two Fiona Povey, whose son Oliver, aged three, attends Roseacre, said: “I was shocked that they have been told to leave. We live within five minutes’ walk so anywhere else would be further and more difficult once my youngest starts at nursery as well.

“Oliver likes his routine so I hope it won’t be traumatic for him to move.”

Mrs Povey said that as a result of the plans she would have to consider other schools in Shepperton apart from Saxon when Oliver graduates from nursery.

She added: “Getting nursery places in Shepperton is a nightmare.”

Karen Sherry, whose daughter Florence Rolt, aged three, attends the nursery, said: “I was concerned about the move, but once I had read the letter and understood it I felt comfortable with it.

“My daughter is really happy there so I hope it will be business as usual soon.”

Staff at Roseacre, which is run as an independent charity, are desperately appealing for help in finding another suitable premises in the vicinity.

Hannah Payne, chairman of the Roseacre Playgroup Committee, said: “There is a huge shortage of early years places in Shepperton. When Toad Hall closed we had parents putting their children on our waiting list and it has grown significantly.

"That is a very clear sign that there is a drastic shortage – the impact on the community will be huge.”

The group has a waiting list stretching to 2015 and has spent days trying to get hold of all the parents whose youngsters are on the list.

The notice to leave Saxon Primary School has been given because the school has expressed a desire to use the premises as part of a refurbishment of the swimming pool.

A statement from head teacher Mary Ellen McCarthy said: “We have been given an opportunity and funding to redevelop our swimming pool and would like to maximise this opportunity because it is to the advantage of the wider community as well as the school.

“This has been an extremely hard decision and was not made lightly. With this in mind the school has given Roseacre plenty of time and offered its full support in enabling the playgroup to relocate”.